Moro Beach at Crystal Cove State Park

Moro Beach is very confusing with all its names: El Moro, Moro Cove, or El Moro Canyon. The signage seems to indicate that they’ve decided on Moro Canyon Area – as a way to describe the beach, canyon, and hiking/biking trails. Whatever you want to call it, you enter near El Morro Elementary School off Pacific Coast Highway just north of Laguna Beach. And, yes, I spelled the name of the school correctly. See how confusing it can get?

Directions to Moro Beach at Crystal Cove State Park: Get to Moro Beach through the southernmost entrance to Crystal Cove State Park. From Pacific Coast Highway – PCH – (between Corona Del Mar and Laguna Beach), turn inland at El Morro Elementary School. Follow the narrow driveway up the hill and bear to your right at the fork. It will look like you are going into the campground. Pay or show your pass at the booth. Go straight and turn downhill to the right (not into the campground). Turn right at the bottom of the hill and park in the lot. MAP TO MORO BEACH

Highlights:

Truly one of my favorite Orange County beaches – we go here ALL the time

Nice restrooms and showers

Super EASY parking and walk to beach under PCH

Beautiful for a day at the beach or sunset

Awesome spot for long beach walks between Abalone Point to the south and Reef Point to the north – or all the way along Crystal Cove State Park beach (depending on the tides)

CA State Park lifeguards during the summer

Snack bar located at the front of the restroom building for buying treats and they even sell sand toys and beach chairs (expensive, but if you need them . . .). Open during summer.